Houanphan Province

Written by Vong | 13 January 2010

Houaphan Province, a mysterious, beautiful and abundant land, is situated in the North East of Laos, bordered by Xiengkhouang and Luang Prabang to the west and Vietnam to the east. It was the base of the Lao people's Revolutionary activities and especially the historic interest as the geographical heart of the liberation struggle.

The province has a total population of around 247,300; consisting of many ethnic groups, each with their own life styles, costumes, cultural traditions in wedding and other ceremonies, festivals, folkdances and songs, differing from each other. Houaphan has six districts: Viengxay, Xamnuea, Xamtai, Viengthong and Houamuang.

The principle town is Viengxay the former name known as Nakai, according to the former time this area had many birds, reptiles and wild animals. The province is also famous for its limestone mountains and caves (more than one hundred), most of them located in the Viengxay District of Houaphan and many of which were used as hideouts and bunkers during the Indochina war. Tham Than Souphanouvong, formerly known as Tham Phapount, where in 1964 Mr. Souphanouvong came to set up his residence in this cave. Tham Than Kaysone, formerly known as Tham Yonesong, where in 1964 this cave was established for the residence of Mr. Kaysone Phonmvihane. Tham Than Khamtay is the part of Tham Xanglot; it was also the residence of Mr. Khamtay Siphandone; consisting of many compartments, such as meeting room, reception room and research room, etc.

Other attractions include Keo Nong Vay Temple located in Xamneua district. Hot springs in Xam Tay district are located about 154 km away from Xamneua the waters reach a temperature of around 40 degrees Celcius. Xam Tay waterfall is located Xam Tay district. Saleu and Nasala villages, well known for their weaving activities, located in Xiengkor district on the road No: 6 to Xiengkhouang province 125 km away from Xamneua.